Worcester men charged in early-morning beating of a man on New Year's day

Friday

Jan 18, 2013 at 4:00 PMJan 18, 2013 at 5:02 PM

By Bronislaus B. Kush and Gary MurrayTELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Two city men were held without bail Friday in connection with the beating of a man on New Year's Day at the Honey Farms Mini-Market, 64 Vernon St.

The 36 year-old victim, who was treated at the University Campus of UMass Memorial Medical Center on Plantation Street, suffered serious facial injuries that required about 50 sutures to close, according to police.

Members of the Gang Unit and the Shooting Response Team today arrested Torre Taylor, 23, of 30 Lewis St. and Anthony Mendoza, 24, of 62 Vale St.

They were taken into custody at their homes and were charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon with intent to commit serious bodily injury.

Mr. Mendoza was also held on outstanding arrest warrants, including those for aggravated assault and battery, assault and battery, and domestic assault and battery.

The local District Attorney's Office asked that the two be held pending a hearing to determine whether they are dangerous to the public. Worcester Central District Court Judge Bethzaida Sanabria-Vega agreed to the request.

Additionally, Mr. Mendoza was held on $5,000 cash bail on each of the three outstanding warrants.

The beating, which was captured on a store camera, took place about 5:30 a.m.

The victim told investigators that he was jumped by several males in the parking lot. He said that one of the assailants had a gun.

Police said the victim did not know the attackers and could provide no specific details about their descriptions.

Police said they were able to identify the assailants on the physical evidence and from information obtained through interviews.